Fines for traffic offences have been overhauled to increase traffic safety, with lesser penalties for relatively minor infractions and heftier ones for serious offenders.

People caught using their phone while driving will pay a €350 fine as of Tuesday, some €100 more than before. People who don’t give way to ambulances or police cars will face fines of €350, also up €100, and may be prosecuted.

Transporting minors who are not wearing a safety belt will carry a fine of €220, up €70 while persistently driving on the left-side of the motorway will cost €220 instead of €150.

The higher amounts will finance the drop in other fines. Exceeding the speed limit by 10 kph will be cut by 15% and other infractions, such as parking in a disabled spot will go down from €400 to €310.